CHAD O’BARA

Chad O’Bara has been studying improvisational theater since 2006. He has been a cast member of Unexpected Productions at The Market Theater since 2009. In 2011 he studied at Chicago’s Second City. Before finding improv, he trained in the dramatic arts both at Washington State University and Cornish College of the Arts. Also an avid filmmaker, he has made several short films both during and after his tenure at The Seattle Film Institute. He has been teaching improv since 2012. He has acted on stage, TV and in independent short films. He can currently be seen on stage at The Market Theater for various shows.

Just wanted to take a minute to recognize Chad O’Bara for his outstanding work with (the improv class). There are a lot of different teaching and learning styles, but Chad did a great job of always catering to the classes needs, shifting gears when necessary, and most importantly keeping it fun. Had I been the instructor, there were many times where I would have gotten frustrated when the class didn’t follow along or started to get off focus. Chad skillfully re-focused us and never appeared frustrated. He obviously is very passionate about Improv and really enjoys teaching. Like the rest of my class, I really feel lucky to have had him as a teacher and will definitely recommend classes to others. In addition, because of my positive experience with Chad, I look forward to continuing the progression of Improv classes myself. Thanks for such a great experience! – Josh

I recently took (Improv) with Chad O’Bara. It was a great class and Chad was wonderful! He explained concepts of improv very well, he pushed us just the right amount, and most of all, he made the class fun. – Jean

Chad was a GREAT teacher, very clear communicator, great encourager, helped everyone have a fun time, while introducing new things for us to learn and practice. I really enjoyed the class and his teaching. Give him a raise please!! (unsigned)

Looking for Improv classes in Seattle that are fun, fast-paced and energetic? This enjoyable introductory class, taught by an instructor with years of experience, is a great place to start.

You’ll play, laugh, focus and have fun while learning how to let go of preconceptions and let go of worrying about failure. This class can be taken by itself, or applied toward our Certificate Program in Acting.

Rekindle School is an independent educational program located in Seattle, Washington. We offer fun, affordable classes in the arts, in subjects including drawing, painting, cartooning, writing, filmmaking and other subjects. Our classes are not-for-credit, meaning that the focus is on having fun and learning, not on tests or grades.

Rekindle School is an independent educational program located in Seattle, Washington. We offer fun, affordable classes in the arts, in subjects including drawing, painting, cartooning, writing, filmmaking and other subjects. Our classes are about having fun and learning new skills, not about tests or grades.

Some of our classes meet on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. The others meet in community centers around the city. Most of our classes are held in Seattle, but we also have a few classes on the East Side, in Redmond.

Some students may remember our affiliation with Seattle’s original EC (the ASUW Experimental College, which co-sponsored many of our classes, before being dissolved as a business entity in 2017. When it closed, a group of instructors set up a new Seattle Experimental College.

Like the previous EC, Seattle Experimental College co-sponsors many of our classes (and we handle the registrations for theirs). This means that you can sign up for the same classes on our website, or on the EC’s.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy is that everyone is born creative. It’s a part of being human.

Anyone can learn how to draw, paint, write, doodle, tell stories, make quilts, write poems, make music, or express their creativity in myriad other ways.

The impulse to be creative is inborn. We have a human need to find ways to be creative as long as we’re alive.

Whether you’re hoping to learn something new and different you’ve never tried before; go deeper into a subject you love, and learn more about it; or rekindle a creative energy you thought you might have lost, our classes and workshops can help.

“…I wanted to say thank you for your help and guidance in the early stages of my acting career. It has been a great journey that started in your beginning acting class. I am happy to report that I just met a very awesome goal. I will be a day actor in the TV series Grimm this week.It was your coaching that set and codified the foundation that helped get me where I am today. Thank you so much for your help. If you would like to, please feel free to share my story with your other students and on the website. Best wishes and with my sincerest gratitude, Joey Coverson”

…I want to thank you for inspiring me to follow me dreams. I left Washington. I am down in California. I have started a television production company and I auditioned for a Harley Davidson Commercial yesterday as an actor.Everything is moving at light speed…and in a positive direction. It all started with you in that classroom at the U of W. – Robert C., Hollywood

…I just want to thank you for the (crash course in filmmaking) classes. I never learned so much over a short period of time and remembered it. You wasted no time on the non-essentials. I greatly appreciate the fact that you were very receptive to everyone’s questions. Your experience, dedication, and passion for film making made this a fantastic learning experience for me. – J. Vega

Thanks for taking some time before the class to help me figure out which class I should take. You weren’t just trying to “sell” me a class, you helped me find the one that would be a good next step for me. – M.J. (Seattle)

“I have enjoyed your class. You have been providing great direction for what to look for in SEO and things that you can do to improve anyone’s rankings…. I liked the presentation style, very good information.” – Jim Hopper, Seattle

“The exercise you did using one of your own websites as an example, and showing how the right changes could raise it in the search engine results, was really helpful.” – E.W., Tacoma.

“Just wanted to let you know that I completed my application to the Game Animation Certificate program, and as of a week ago received notice of my acceptance. One of my portfolio pieces was a charcoal figure based upon one of the exercises from class – and of course, I’d never touched charcoal before meeting you. Thanks again for all the tips and encouragement! Your classes really helped polish my skills and boost my confidence a great deal. — J.C. (Seattle)

“I just moved back to Seattle… yay! … and was looking for an introductory level course so I could get back into painting. I just wanted to start with the basics again. I love watercolors, but always had a hard time getting the results I wanted, so signed up for the Watercolor painting class. It was fun and I learned a lot. I would recommend the class to others who are either just starting out or, like me, wanting to get back into painting after a break.” – B.R., Lake Forest Park

“I found Sarah’s calligraphy class on a social site, and I’m so glad I did… Sarah is very encouraging, and always has a great time with us! I would highly recommend attending one of Sarah’s classes — they are a blast!” – Savanah D.

“…I want you to know that taking this class has truly made a difference for me. I lost the fear to shoot and produce films. It has given me the knowledge and skills I was seeking and the confidence I need to step into film making. I have to tell you — you are an incredible teacher! I cannot thank you ENOUGH! I’ll definitely recommend this class to all my friends. Thanks so much for the highly engaging and inspiring class. – J. Vega